Julio “Mr. Somos” Magana M.Ed- Community Schools Coordinator

Proud son of an Immigrant Farm Worker- turned Grape Striker/Union Organizer and a Chicano College Student from San Diego State who instilled in him a desire to serve and empower others.  Born in Delano, CA but raised in East County San Diego where his family experienced explicit systemic racism and distrust, young Julio found solace in Soccer, Skateboarding and studying. He graduated near the top of his class and attended UC Berkeley for his Bachelor’s Degree in Comparative Literature in the Ethnic Studies Department with a minor in Education. He has more than 24 years experience as an educator in various capacities - as a College/Career Counselor, Arts/PE teacher, Slam Poetry Coach, Intervention Specialist, Afterschool Program Coordinator, Student Leadership, and Youth Developer in Oakland Unified Community Schools. He received his Nom de Plume “Somos One” in the Bay Area Hip Hop community where he taught cultural expression, painted murals and performed as a Rapper with a crew named BRWN BFLO.  He earned his Master’s in Education and his single subject ELA Credential from UCLA but returned to teach in Oakland.  He taught High School English before moving to Rodeo and committing to Mental Health Education. He led the Mindful Life Project Middle School program here at Carquinez Middle School for 4 years.  Mr. Somos (or just “Somos” as his colleagues call him), and his wife live in Rodeo and raised their niece and nephew, attending Carquinez and graduating from John Swett.  Their first born son was born in 2020 and their second son in 2023.   Mr. Somos is committed to building Community Ownership of JSUSD schools by way of building relationships, compiling feedback and coordinating a representative Community Schools Action Team, and in turn, providing all schools with Community Guidance while working to secure resources to support students, families and staff!